Keystone Today

Gov. Tom Wolf announced that $5.5 million in funds from the Industry Partnership Grant will be used for workforce development projects in an effort to enhance the Pennsylvania workforce.

According to a December 21 release by Wolf’s office, these grants are through the Department of Labor and Industry. The focus is on building a strong and competitive job market through recruiting, networking and training.

“With Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate holding steady at a record low, it is our collective responsibility to make decisions that are responsive to the needs of both Pennsylvania workers and employers in sectors where talent pipelines are tapped,” Wolf said. “By investing in workforce development projects, and specifically industry partnerships, we can connect hardworking Pennsylvanians with opportunities to advance their skillsets and obtain family-sustaining jobs in booming industries.”

The funds are through the PAsmart Initiative, and since 2018 the state has invested more than $40 million to the cause. These most recent funds go to 25 Industry Partnerships that have a variety of different functions involved in the industries of healthcare, manufacturing, construction, information technology, agriculture, education, hospitality and energy.

One example of funding is $250,000 going to the Southeastern Manufacturing Pennsylvania Alliance of Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. The partnership involves sharing information among manufacturers about innovation while also introducing youth to manufacturing careers and working with manufacturers on training.

Another is $250,000 going to EducatePHL in Philadelphia, which will be used for reversing trends of fewer teachers entering the workforce. This is to bolster the Philadelphia workforce in the educational field.

“Industry Partnership programs address critical shortages in specific industries, assist in retention efforts and offer a robust resource network to ensure individuals have access to meaningful careers,” L&I Secretary Jennifer Berrier said. “At L&I, we strategically use resources to connect Pennsylvania employers with a highly skilled and talented workforce who can do the jobs of tomorrow."